At the end of their first year of studies, students in the Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program choose a major professor who will mentor them throughout the program. This selection also determines the students’ program track affiliation. Then, at the beginning of their second year, they join the labs with which they “matched,” and this lab home is where they will conduct research for their dissertation through graduation.
This year, seven second-year graduate students joined labs:
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Age: 25
Education: B.S. in biology with a focus in forensic science; M.S. in toxicology; Delhi, India
BMS track and faculty mentor: Cancer Biology, Santanu Dasgupta, Ph.D.
Research focus: mt-DNA mutations in PCa in circulating EVs and determining their potential usefulness.
Why did you choose to join this lab?
I always knew I wanted to work in a lab environment and do something that is translational. What's better than focusing on cancer? I really enjoy studying different types of cancer, and Dr. Dasgupta's lab gives me the environment where I can learn about cancer types, as well as the fact that he is an incredible scientist who helps me become the best version of myself. Also, my lab mates are nice people who are always there to help and support me whenever I need them. Overall, I am really happy that I can join such a nice lab, which is very close to my area of interest too.
Hometown: Bloemfontein, Free 9301, South Africa
Education: B.S. in quantity surveying, University of the Free State; M.S. in kinesiology, Boise State University
BMS track and faculty mentor: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Biology; Thiago Bruder, Ph.D.
Research focus: Endothelial-derived PGRN and its effect on vascular function and insulin secretion under obesity-induced hypertension
Why did you choose to join this lab?
I have always been interested in cardiovascular biology, but what really led me to join this lab was the lab culture. Dr. Bruder and the fellow lab members facilitate a welcoming environment. Not only that, they also love the science, are great teachers, and provide amazing guidance. I truly believe that this is the lab where I can grow and develop as a scientist to one day make a meaningful contribution to the cardiovascular field.
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Nairuti N. BhattHometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Age: 28
Education: B.S., State University of Albany; M.S. in biology, University of Miami (accelerated pathway)
BMS track and faculty mentor: Neuroscience; John N. Soltys, M.D., Ph.D.
Research focus: Elucidating the molecular origins of pathological autoimmunity in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders like neuromyelitis optica of the central nervous system.
Why did you choose to join this lab?
I chose this lab because it was a perfect continuation of my work. In my master’s, I studied neutrophils, and here I get to study B cells, so from one white blood cell to another. I’ve also moved from gray matter to white matter, which connects with my strong interest in the CNS and in finding translational approaches that can lead to new therapies for patients.
Another big reason was the people. My mentor, Dr. Soltys, is incredibly talented and kind, and I know I’ll get the best training here to support my future goals. Our lab tech, Olena Gorodnya, makes learning fun while being an excellent teacher, and the undergrads bring diversity and energy that make the team even stronger.
Hometown: Vernon, AL
Age: 27
Education: B.S. in biochemistry, University of South Alabama
BMS track and faculty mentor: Cell and Molecular Biology; Marie Migaud, Ph.D.
Research focus: Over-oxidized NAD metabolites and their consequences on bioenergetics in relation to age and disease
Why did you choose to join this lab?
I have known Dr. Migaud for a long time, as I had her as a teacher in undergrad, and I have always been fascinated with her work. So, when the opportunity to explore something novel with little to no background was offered to me, I knew immediately that this is what I wanted to pursue.
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Age: 23
Education: B.S. in biomedical sciences, University of South Alabama
BMS track and faculty mentor: Infectious Disease and Host Defense, Allyson Shea, Ph.D.
Research focus: My research focuses on how riboside pyridones influence host-pathogen interactions and contribute to infection susceptibility.
Why did you choose to join this lab?
I decided to join this lab because of the experience I had while working here as an undergrad. I really value the lab environment and the strong relationships I’ve built with my lab mates, including Olu, Juleigh, and Rachel, as well as with Dr. Shea. I have always felt very loved and supported in this lab. I am also passionate about studying bacteria, particularly in the context of urinary tract infections, which predominantly affect women. Women's health is very important to me, and here I can pursue research that directly impacts it.
Hometown: Idimu, Lagos, Nigeria
Age: 33
Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; M.Sc., Pharmacology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
BMS track and faculty mentor: Infectious Disease and Host Defense; Robert Barrington, Ph.D.
Research focus: My research will investigate the role of alveolar macrophages and other innate immune cells in the pathology of autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome (AD-HIES).
Why did you choose to join this lab?
My interest in immunology began during my master’s program, when I took a course titled Immunopharmacology. This was my first introduction to immunotherapy and how the immune system could be harnessed to combat cancer and immune-related diseases such as AD-HIES. Later, during my rotation in Dr. Barrington’s lab, I was able to engage with the basic science of immunology more deeply. The lab’s focus and environment not only broadened my understanding but also solidified my passion for studying immune system mechanisms and their therapeutic potential.
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Age: 23
Education: Mechanical Engineering, University of South Alabama
BMS track and faculty mentor: Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics; Mark Gillespie, Ph.D.
Research focus: DNA base damage and modifications
Why did you choose to join this lab?
I love how our group uses the latest technology and informatics techniques on projects that have great translational potential. It’s also a very welcoming environment that still maintains a high level of science — they hold a high bar for the results we put out from the lab while helping every student reach it.
